NEW NEW NEW The doors are now open to the Hobart Town Hotel (87 Macquarie Street, Hobart) – with a refreshed interior and new menu, the pub’s location has been part of Hobart’s DNA since 1814, pouring drinks and swapping stories for over 150 years. Smash Boy Burgers (441-445 Main Road, Glenorchy) has opened, serving classic American fare like smash burgers, Philly cheesesteak, loaded fries and shakes. Kodo Ramen, (236-264 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay) is now open in the space that was previously Area 2Be Coffee, fronting onto Russell Street, serving all kinds of ramen and dan dan noodles from Monday to Saturday, 12pm – 8pm. If Australia’s largest collection of Tasmanian whiskies isn’t enough, The Still (30 Argyle Street, Hobart) has a new spring menu of whisky-forward dishes and experiences, led by head chef Benjamin Co-Pavier. You can also catch Martini & Oyster Hour from 4pm-6pm Monday to Friday (hello $12 martinis and half price oysters) and live jazz every Wednesday from 5:30pm. Cult Logic Coffee (149a Collins Street, Hobart) have been operating as a micro coffee roaster. Now they’ve taken over the ex-Next Door Coffee space and open early from 6am Monday to Friday, and a little sleep in for Saturday and public holidays, opening from 7:30am. A great addition to the early morning CBD coffee offering. Queen Sheba Injera (112 Murray Street, Hobart) is being welcomed at In The Hanging Garden from 5 November. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-9pm, expect beautifully spicy curries, pickles and vegetables served atop tangy injera pancake. There’s also a coffee ceremony every Sunday. For a quick coffee hit with an easy car park outside, head to Kao. By Tha Chang (20 Magnet Court, Sandy Bay). Pop in for toasties, bagels, specialty coffees, Thai teas and smoothies. Coastal vibes are high for the opening of Le Gulch (54 Waubs Esplanade, Bicheno) – beautiful new bar for Bicheno this summer. Chilled wine, oysters and views for days. Wynyard, get excited for the impending opening of Apiece Apizza (8B Inglis St, Wynyard) with New York-style pizza, beer, wine, coffee, cakes, and other baked goods soon. In case you’ve been living under a rock, the new Hobart LEGO store (38 Elizabeth Street, Hobart) has opened in the ex-Rivers space, in time for Christmas of course. Hobart Hearing Care (Lower Ground, 295 Macquarie Street, Hobart) have moved to their new location and are now taking bookings for new clients for hearing assessments, screenings, earwax removals and custom ear plug fittings. Need new soccer gear? Head to Strike Soccer Shop (466a Macquarie Street, South Hobart) for boots, balls, shin pads, kits, clothing, and more. Neurosensory South Hobart (Calvary St John’s Hospital, 30 Cascade Road, South Hobart) is now open offering hearing aid fittings, hearing tests for adults and kids, and cochlear implants. Sunny’s Toybox (481 West Tamar Road, Riverside) is a new toy store for Launnie, filled with puzzles, games, books and more, from the people who created the awesome Scribblemat. Amanda Skipper has opened her new business, The Captain’s Mrs (40 Quail Street, St Helens), in St Helens. It’s a beautiful store filled with maritime and coastal inspired vintage and new things.

DOLLARS FOR BREASTCREEN TRAVEL AS BUS REMAINS OUT OF ACTION A reimbursement scheme for Tasmanians who need to travel for regular breast screening appointments is now on offer, after the mobile breast cancer screening bus that was meant to service the south and east coast has been out of action since April. The temporary subsidy will support eligible Tasmanians to be screened who would normally have received a screening on the bus. Clients who need to travel 50km or more each way will be eligible, and those who travel 100km or more each way will be eligible for accommodation reimbursements. BreastScreen Tasmania will contact eligible clients with information on how they can access this assistance. The Tasmanian Liberals promised four new BreastScreen clinics at the past election, and Health Minister Bridget Archer said a permanent solution is underway.

TASSIE TAKING OFF Tasmanians have a few more getaway options, thanks to new flight routes opening up. The Tasmanian Government, Jetstar and Hobart Airport have partnered to deliver the first ever direct route between Hobart and Newcastle from 2 December. The new seasonal service will fly three times a week to and from Hobart Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with the season concluding after Easter next year. Flights are on sale now. Qantas has also relaunched its route between Perth and Hobart, which will operate three times a week.

GOOD GRASS, BAD GRASS There’s a new set of 3D images to help landowners and managers identify and control invasive grasses. Tassie is home to many local native grass species but we also have 150 non-native grasses, some of which can be very problematic but tricky to identify. The Department of Natural Resources has released computer-generated 3D images to help identify eight of those grasses, The images were produced by Tasmanian botanical illustrator Rachel Klyve and show the details of leaves, flowers, seeds and roots.

GORDON RAMSAY LOVES US Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has praised Tasmania’s produce. Tasmania recently came second in Conde Nast Traveller’s ‘Best Islands in the World’ in the Australasia and Pacific region section, and Ramsay recorded a video interview in which he recounted his favourite food destinations in the world. He spent time here when he filmed his National Geographic TV series Uncharted and said he couldn’t quite believe the standard of our produce.

AND EVERYBODY WANTS TO VISIT  Meanwhile, everyone is searching for trips to visit us. Hobart has made it into another “best destinations” list: this time we’re in the top ten of the Global Trending Destinations for next year according to Expedia Group, a travel website where people can search for flights, accommodation and the like. The list of top spots is based on increased flight and accommodation searched on Expedia. Searches for trips to Hobart have increased by 25 per cent from 2024 to 2025. Expedia couldn’t help having a little dig at our recent past though: “Once an infamous penal colony, this waterfront city is now Tasmania’s cultural hub, drawing foodies and nature lovers from all over the world,” Expedia’s statement said. “Gone are the days of meagre convict rations. Hobart today offers some of the most innovative cuisine in the country and the quality of its local produce, beer and wine is prized throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific.”

AIRPORT DOGGY DOS The latest section of the Hobart Airport expansion to open is a dedicated animal relief area for assistance animals. The relief spots, along with new bathrooms for hoomans, are part of a larger expansion to prepare for the expected growth in passenger numbers over the coming five years: it’s predicted we’ll go from seeing 2.5 million to 3.5 million passengers coming through the airport by 2030. Chief Operating Officer Matt Cocker said travellers had said they’d like more loos. “We know from traveller feedback that amenities are a really important part of the overall visitor experience,” he said. “There are now more male and female toilets, parenting rooms, all-gender facilities and a new assistance animal relief area too.”

$$$ REWARD FOR COLD CASE Tasmania Police are offering the biggest- ever reward to crack a cold case, with $1 million on offer to solve the 30-yearold murder of Victoria Cafasso. Ms Cafasso, a young Italian tourist, was killed at Freshwater Creek in Beaumaris on October 11, 1995. “This is a life-changing amount,” Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said. “30 years have passed since Victoria’s murder and we are confident that with the passing of time, personal circumstances may have changed that will enable someone to provide the information required to close this case. Victoria’s family deserves closure and our detectives continue to work to try and provide that closure,” he said. Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

CAN YOU SPARE A FEW HOURS A FORTNIGHT FOR VINNIES? As more Tasmanians battle the cost of living crisis, members of the St Vincent de Paul Society become the hands behind the help in our local community. If you feel that you could help in some small way, contact volunteer@vinniestas.org.au.

LIVIN IT UP, HOBART Hobart has just ranked at number four out of 437 Australian municipal areas for liveability. As part of the 2025 Australian Liveability Census, more than 27,000 people evaluated their hometowns against 50 markers of liveability. Lane Cove Council, in a leafy part of Sydney, nabbed the top spot.

HAVE YOUR SAY, EASTERN SHORE Community feedback is sought for two key Eastern Shore projects at the moment: the South Arm Highway Upgrade and the new Rokeby Park and Ride facility. It’s hoped the projects will improve travel choices and road safety. You can provide feedback on the designs until 10 November. Head online to transport.tas.gov.au.

WELLBEING TICKETS FOR TASSIE SENIORS SELL OUT The second round of a voucher program to help eligible older Tasmanians stay active has sold out almost immediately. The 2,600 vouchers, which were available through Service Tas, were to provide eligible seniors with a $100 voucher per year to help cover the cost of sport, active recreation membership or registration. To be eligible you needed to be 65 or old+er and be listed on a Services Australia health care or pensioner concession card. A statement from Service Tasmania said: ”Due to unprecedented demand, applications for the 2025-26 financial year have now closed. All available vouchers have been issued.” Yet another reminder that many Tasmanians are doing it tough and a little bit of financial help is very much needed. The Government announced it will double the Ticket to Wellbeing program from next year and extend it to 2028.

TASSIE UTI SUPPORT BENEFITS 10,000 PEOPLE SO FAR Community pharmacies have supported 10,000 Tasmanians with consultations for UTI services since reforms in 2024 enabled them to. The new milestone was celebrated by the Tasmanian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Senior Vice President, Helen O’Byrne. “What this means is Tasmanian patients have been able to access more affordable and accessible healthcare, closer to where they live,” she said. ”This service is just the beginning and shows exactly how expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice can make a real difference in our healthcare system.” Ms O’Byrne also said the Guild was delighted with the Government’s recent commitment to allow trained pharmacists to initiate and supply hormonal contraception. “It is so important for women to have as many safe and supportive options as possible to manage their healthcare needs, including contraception,” she said. If Tasmanian women want to find a pharmacy near them that is offering the UTI service, or other services, they can visit www.findapharmacy.com.au

GLENORCHY’S TEN CENT BONANZA Recycle Rewards goes from strength to strength, with a new refund point just opened in Glenorchy. The 45th refund point is a reverse vending machine at Glenorchy Central carpark. TasRecycle CEO Ken Roughley said Glenorchy’s strong community spirit and commitment to sustainability made it the perfect spot for the latest refund point. “Glenorchy residents have really embraced Recycle Rewards. The Claremont refund point is the third-busiest in the state and the Goodwood depot is one of our fastest growing. This new refund point gives locals another option to incorporate a visit to a refund point into their routines.” More than 42 million eligible containers have been returned since Recycle Rewards began on 1 May. Aluminium continues to be the top material returned, accounting for 62% of returns. PET plastic made up about 21%, glass 15% and liquid paperboard cartons and other materials about 2%.

WHO IS STRONGEST? NOT ME. Brace your backs and be careful with your knees: the World’s strongest Tasmanian competition is back. Some of the best Strongman athletes in the state will compete to see who can lift the heaviest thing the best. It’s at Princes Wharf from 9am- 5pm on 8 November and is free. There’s also a Novice Friendly Silver Dollar Deadlift Competition and free strongman open day at Catalyst Strength in North Hobart from 11am, head along to try to pull a big deadlift, play with atlas stones, log lift, and more.

WHO’S A GOOD BOY? POOCHIBALD PRIZE ON FOR 2025 Our favourite four legged portrait prize is back: it’s The Poochibald, and it’s on at Rosny Farm right now. The Poochibald is Rosny Farm’s most beloved (and definitely most chaotic) art prize – celebrating the dogs that steal our hearts, sofas, sandwiches, and studio floor space. Artists of all ages and stages have gotten involved, using all sorts of mediums to capture the personality of Tasmanian woofers. The portraits of the goodest boys and girls in town will be on display until 16 November.

OH DEER! Tasmania’s feral deer population has increased 33% in five years, according to a government survey report. Dr Tiana Pirtle, Conservation Officer at the Invasive Species Council, said the numbers were alarming. “These numbers are staggering and should be a wake-up call for the Rockliff Government,” she said. “This is causing mounting losses for farmers, trampling fragile habitats and pushing native species closer to extinction. Alarmingly, the survey has shown a huge jump in deer numbers outside the Midlands, where estimated numbers have increased by 3.5 times in just five years. It is also worrying that there has been a significant westward spread towards high conservation areas in the Wilderness World Heritage Area, around the Walls of Jerusalem and the Central Plateau.” The majority of feral deer are in the Midlands, but satellite populations have spread to the Tasman and Freycinet Peninsulas, Bruny and King Islands, around Hobart, Launceston and in the northwest.

MORE TASMANIANS IN POVERTY The number of Tasmanian’s living in poverty has risen sharply to 81,500, according to a new report released by the Australian Council of Social Services. It also revealed that the number of Australians living in poverty had increased to one in seven people, or 14.2% of the population. TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said the most recent figures were very concerning: “This represents an increase of 16% since the previous report — 13-times the rate of population growth — largely attributed to the removal of pandemic support payments,” Ms Picone said. “Combined with a steep rise in rental costs of 36% since the pandemic, Tasmanians are being pushed beyond the brink. “Of shocking concern, one-in-six (18,900) Tasmanian children are living in poverty. This is unacceptable in a country as wealthy as Australia, and must serve as a wake-up call to the Tasmanian Government as it frames its upcoming November Budget priorities. Incomes are not keeping pace with the rising cost of the essentials, be it affording groceries, paying for health care or energy bills.”

GO TASSIE WINE, GO Our wine industry continues to impress, with 2025 a strong year for production. Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, recently joined industry leaders at the National Wine Trade Visit to celebrate Tasmania’s wine success and future growth. “Tasmania’s wine industry continues to punch well above its scale, both in quality and value,” Minister Barnett said. “The 2025 vintage saw production reach about 20 million bottles – a nearly 40 per cent increase on the 2024 vintage. That growth is a testament to the passion and innovation of our producers. At present, nearly 20 per cent of all wine sold in Tasmania is locally produced. With production forecast to quadruple by 2040, now is the time to position Tasmania as a global cool-climate wine leader.” Pour a glass to celebrate? Here’s cheers to that.

DID YOU KNOW THERE’S A DORNEY CHURCH IN HOBART? Words by Jocelyn Halmarick The St Pius X Catholic Church in Taroona is the oldest modernist church still working in Australia. It is known as the ‘Church Amongst the Trees’. Designed by J. Esmond Dorney and built by Frank Ingram, it was opened and blessed by Archbishop Guildford Young on 17 November 1957. There is still one parishioner who attended the opening. The Church itself has some interesting art pieces worth viewing. A beautiful wooden statue of Mary carved by Eva Schubert is on display in the church. The crucifix behind the altar, carved by the very talented Tasmanian artist the late Alan Gelston, and the steel and brass processional cross are also of interest.

The interior of the Church features Hoop Pine plywood panels and glass set into flat steel framing which was in those days an affordable material available to the builder. In 2017 the Australian Institute of Architects awarded the late Esmond Dorney the Enduring Architectural award for the design.

The Church itself, because of its age, is showing signs of deterioration. It has a very enthusiastic community who attends to its decorative and artistic needs. It is hoped in 2026 new carpet can be purchased and the exterior can be repaired and painted. You can see the church on display at the Australian Institute of Architects Open House weekend on Saturday 8 November from 10am until 3pm.

IT’S A SH*T SHOW aka ART MADE FROM POO ON DISPLAY The annual Poo-tastic Tasmanian Paint Off is back, where art created out of poo is exhibited at Richmond’s Pooseum. After many months of call outs for ‘high quality, imaginative artworks’ made from animal faeces, the shortlisted entries will be on display from 26 November til 7 December, with winners (chosen by a team of jurors plus public voting) announced on 8 December. The three winning artworks will remain on display at the Pooseum.

NEW TRUCKS TO FIGHT FIRES Southern Tasmanian fire brigades have received some new light tankers to help this bushfire season. The new 5.1 light tankers are now settled in with their brigades in Kingston, Taroona, Mt Nelson, Glenorchy and New Norfolk. The vehicles have enhanced off-road capabilities and greater pumping power, allowing firefighters to respond more effectively to bushfires in challenging terrain. Meanwhile, two long-serving volunteers, Robin Howlett AFSM from Campania Brigade and Peter Meaburn from Parattah Brigade, were recognised for their remarkable 55 years of service at the recent Tasmania Fire Service 2025 Southern Region medals presentation.

TASSIE RESCUERS WIN BIG Tasmania’s emergency services have received national recognition at the Australian Search and Rescue Awards for three complex rescues over the past year. Tasmania Police Search and Rescue, Ambulance Tasmania, Surf Life Saving Tasmania Swift Water Rescue and Rotor-Lift Aviation won the Professional category for the role their members played in the extremely challenging rescue of injured rafter Valdas Bieliauskas on the Franklin River in November 2024. The Climbers Club of Tasmania Vertical Rescue Team won the Professional Volunteer category for its complex and high-risk rescue operation to assist Tasmania Police in the rescue of two climbers from the 65m-tall Totem Pole sea stack on the Tasman Peninsula in February this year. And a commendation was awarded to Tasmania Police, Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania State Emergency Service for the arduous, 36-hour rescue of three hypothermic people, including a nine-year-old boy, stranded in blizzard conditions at Twin Spires in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park in July last year.

CENTENARIAN’S HEIRLOOMS BACK Some precious family heirloom jewellery has been returned to a 100 year old visitor who realised he had lost them after a fall off his mobility scooter in the CBD last month. The man fell on the corner of Murray Street and Davey Street in October and was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment. Sometime after, it was realised he had misplaced his engraved gold necklace and two gold wedding bands. Tasmania Police put out a public appeal and they were returned. Hurrah!

POP UP SEASON INCOMING Summer is perfect for popups, and last year’s popular Biji Dining has returned to Swansea, this time at The Branch, a small wine and tapas bar. Partners in life and cooking, Sandy and Harry Mangat will serve their Indian-inspired à la carte menu, or $75 “feed me” option. More at www.bijidining.com.

MEN’S GALLERY SUSPICIONS Detectives are investigating a recent suspicious fire at the Men’s Gallery nightclub on Barrack Street. Men’s Gallery’s website describes the club as ‘Hobart’s premier adult venue, offering exotic dancers, exclusive dances and live entertainment with controlled touching.’ Police say the fire caused $30,000-$40,000 of damage, but no injuries, and have appealed for any witnesses to get in touch. “Police would like to speak to anyone with information in relation to the fire, suspicious activity in the area around the time or CCTV or dash cam,” a spokesperson said. “Information can be provided directly to South East CIB on 131 444 and quote OR787715.”

SEE YA, SPIRIT The Spirit of Tasmania IV has left Hobart for Geelong in time for the procession of cruise ships to berth in Hobart for the season. As it tootled out of the Derwent, Tas Labor leader Josh Willie questioned the cost of docking the vessel in Geelong for another year before it is available to sail us across the strait. Meanwhile, Tasmanian Ports across the state will host approximately 101 cruise ship visits this season.

AND SEE YA, SURFING SENATOR Peter Whish-Wilson, Tasmania’s ‘surfing senator’, has announced his retirement from federal politics. The 57-year-old made the emotional announcement at the Greens state conference in Launceston last month, telling supporters it was time for someone else to “carry the torch”. He entered parliament in 2012 to replace former Greens leader Bob Brown. Prior to joining parliament, he’d been an economist and advocated against pulp mills. During his speech, Whish-Wilson called out threats to democracy and urged supporters to never give up. “Never forget this, the forces rigging our economy, undermining our democracy, polluting [and] destroying our planet, and stoking hatred for their own political ends,” he said. “They are counting on you, me, all of us, to give up.”

FOOD AND HOSPO MEDALS FOR TASSIE’S BEST Congratulations to Hobart restaurant Peppina who have won Restaurant of the Year (Metro) at the Hospitality Tasmania Awards for Excellence. Peppina also won Best International or Speciality Cuisine and Best Restaurant in an Accommodation Venue, and they got silver for Wine List of the Year. The Cove Tasmania took back three golds: Accommodation Venue of the Year (Metro), Best Superior Accommodation and Best Environmental and Recycling Practice award. Frogmore Creek won Restaurant of the Year (Regional) and Best Stand-Alone Restaurant. Longley International Hotel took away the Hotel Pub/Tavern of the Year (Regional) again, and a third Best Live Music or Entertainment Venue (pubs and taverns) in a row. The Mure family were given Life Membership in recognition of their five decades of influence on our dining, seafood and tourism industries.

NEW CBD SECURITY The City of Hobart has proposed putting together a new team of special Safer Hobart Officers to combat concerns about anti-social behaviour and public safety in the CBD. These officers would work alongside Tasmania Police, engaging with businesses and vulnerable people. They could refer the vulnerable to support services, report minor issues like graffiti, monitor CCTV footage and generally be a visible presence in public spaces. Business owners have long been calling for more action on youth crime and groups congregating in Wellington Court, Elizabeth Street Mall and other hot spots, although Tasmania Police recently reported a decrease in crimes during the first quarter of the 2025 financial year compared to 2024. The Safer Hobart Officers program mirrors similar initiatives in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and other Australian cities and was unanimously endorsed by the Safer Hobart Alliance in September.

Hobart Current artists, standing (l-r) Mary Scott, Denise Robinson (curator), Peter Waller, Sara Morawetz, Dylan Sheridan, Marion Abraham. Travis Tiddy (curator). Seated (l-r) – Andy Hutson, Jodi Haines, Jade Irvine, Jonny Scholes. (Absent Jenni Large)

CURRENTLY HOBART Two years in the making, Hobart Current is a major biennial program showcasing contemporary art thanks to a long-term partnership between City of Hobart and Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). It replaced the former City of Hobart Art Prize. This year, ten artists have been commissioned to create new work using the theme ‘here’, brought together by co-directors Travis Tiddy and Denise Robinson. The exhibition opens this month in TMAG as well as various outdoor sites across the Hobart CBD.

MORE VISITORS, SPENDING MORE Tourism Tasmania’s latest set of data shows more travellers are enjoying Tassie, and they’re spending more money here too. We welcomed 1.35 million visitors in the recent financial year, a 3.5 per cent increase and those travellers spent 3.6 per cent more than in the year prior. Visitors stayed 12.79 million nights and spent on average $2,671 each, both equal with the last year. International visitors spent a record $648.6 million, which was a mega 23 per cent increase from last year despite a slight reduction in visitor numbers. This was above the national increase in spending of 18 per cent.

ALL ABOARD, TO BERRIEDALE! The Tasmanian Transport Museum’s passenger trains will now take passengers all the way from Glenorchy to Berriedale Road. Their volunteers have been replacing hundreds of sleepers to get the track ready for the expanded trip. It’s expected the new services will start in late December or January, but you might see the trains choo chooing down the new track anytime from now as the crews train for the new sections. During trips, traffic controllers will be in place at Grove Road and Riverway Road crossings, and drivers, riders and pedestrians should keep an extra eagle eye out at those ones. Check the museum’s Facebook page for more updates.

MAXIM HITS THE A LEAGUE Locally raised goalkeeper Maxim Atkinson has signed with A League side Melbourne Victory. Maxim played for Hobart City and Glenorchy Knights, before representing the Northern Territory at the Emerging Socceroos tournament, where he played up an age group, competing in the u16s, setting clean sheet records and helping the Northern Territory to their highest ever finish at a national tournament. Maxim has also done training blocks with English Premier League sides AFC Bournemouth, Ipswich Town, and Brentford FC. All the best, Maxim!

TEST YOURSELF ON THE TRACK Cyclists, young and not-so-young, can head to the New Town Oval and Bike Track to prepare for racing, test their speed and work on their riding practice each Monday night. Juniors are from 5pm-6pm and the focus is skills development and fun. There are some track bikes available for use by juniors, or you can bring your own. Seniors ride from 6pm- 7pm, and seniors and experienced juniors race, including a scratch and a mix of handicap, points, elimination, pursuit or sprints. Everyone needs a current AusCycling licence (but you can get a four week trial membership). For more info head to www.hobartwheelers.com.au.

NEW COACH FOR SOUTH HOBART AS THEY HOST AUS CHAMPS AGAIN Enjoying the new Australian Championship? Be sure to catch the two upcoming home games to see South Hobart Football Club (SHFC) compete as one of only 16 teams in the comp from around Australia. These next two games come amid change, with the club recently announcing a transition in the men’s 1st team head coach. Peter Edwards will commence as SHFC head coach, replacing outgoing head coach Max Clarke, who led them to the Tasmanian NPL championship this year. Clarke stated, “Leading South Hobart to statewide cup and league wins in 2025 reflects a mountain of work and dedication by the players, the supporting coach staff and team management.” Meanwhile, incoming head coach Edwards stated, “I’m relishing the opportunity to get started with South, and what a way to do so – there’s no bigger stage than the national spotlight of the Australian Championship. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with the players and staff over the coming weeks as we test ourselves at the highest level, and to build a strong platform heading into the 2026 season.” The group stage concludes with two blockbuster home games for South Hobart at D’arcy Street, South Hobart on Sunday 9 November, 1pm v. Marconi Stallions and Sunday 16 November, 1pm v. Heidelberg United. Buy tickets via Intix.

GOLDEN GIRL RETIRES Former cover star of this very magazine, Tasmanian Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus has announced she is retiring from swimming at the age of 25. The gold medallist revealed the news on her Instagram account with a letter to her younger self. “You’ve just turned 25 and the time feels right to step away from swimming,” Titmus wrote on her social media account. “The pursuit was unrelenting and you gave it every skerrick of yourself…You do pack up and move away from your home at 14, what a tough decision it was to leave,” she wrote about the family relocation from Tasmania to Queensland in 2015. “Mum and Dad saw the glimmer in your eye and sacrificed everything to move. Without them, alongside Mia – you wouldn’t be here today.” She said she was leaving the sport “fulfilled, content and happy” with no regrets. “What’s ahead for you is exciting,” she added. “New goals, more time with the people you love most and the chance to wholeheartedly put yourself, not your sport first.” One of the greatest middle-distance freestyle swimmers of all time, Titmus competed at two Olympic Games and won back-to-back gold in the 400m freestyle at Tokyo in 2020 and Paris last year and bagged a bunch of other medals too. She had previously indicated she planned to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics before retiring. We can’t wait to see what she does next!